Households Groan as Cooking Gas Price Hits N2,400 per kg
Nigerian households are facing increasing financial pressure as the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has climbed to as high as N2,400 per kilogramme in some retail outlets across the country.
The sharp increase has compounded the hardship faced by many families already struggling with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other essential expenses. While some filling stations continue to sell cooking gas at between N1,650 and N1,900 per kilogramme, neighbourhood retailers and independent resellers have raised prices significantly, with some charging up to N2,400 per kilogramme depending on location.
In Ibadan, residents expressed frustration over the persistent increases. Mrs. Deborah Akintola said she purchased cooking gas at N1,600 per kilogramme only a week ago but found prices had risen to between N1,900 and N2,000 in several outlets. Another resident, Mary Dada, lamented the frequent fluctuations, saying consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the rising cost.
At Bovas Filling Station in the Gbagi area of Ibadan, cooking gas was sold at N1,650 per kilogramme on Thursday, although many consumers say such rates are becoming increasingly scarce as retailers adjust their prices upward.
Residents in Lagos reported similar experiences. Ibrahim Ozigis said he paid N1,650 per kilogramme at a filling station in Iju-Ishaga this month, compared to N1,100 in May. Desire Billy, a resident of Isheri-Osun, noted that the high cost of gas was forcing many households to change their cooking habits and reduce the preparation of meals that consume large amounts of fuel.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, some residents said they had abandoned cooking gas in favour of charcoal and firewood, which they now consider more affordable alternatives. Others disclosed that some dealers had temporarily suspended sales because of unstable prices and supply challenges.
Despite increased domestic production and reduced dependence on imports, cooking gas prices have continued to rise. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows that local refineries and gas processing plants supplied the bulk of LPG consumed in the country between April 2025 and April 2026, yet consumers have seen little relief in market prices.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers warned that erratic supply and rising procurement costs could worsen the situation. According to the association, marketers now pay between N25.2 million and N26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG, a development that continues to drive up retail prices nationwide.
A gas reseller in Ibadan, Opeyemi Olaire, attributed the increase to transportation and operating costs. She explained that after purchasing gas from suppliers and paying for logistics, retailers are compelled to transfer the additional expenses to consumers.
The continued rise in cooking gas prices is deepening the cost-of-living crisis, forcing many low-income families and small businesses to seek alternative energy sources as they struggle to cope with mounting economic challenges.